Volunteers

Do something special for kids

The staff and children at The Children's Hospital at Westmead are supported by over 400 enthusiastic and talented volunteers. They contribute in many different ways and are highly valued and appreciated for the positive difference they make to the daily running of the hospital by both children their families and the staff.

There are many different volunteering opportunities which are listed below with contact details of the relevant Volunteer Coordinator.

AWCH Ward Grandparent Scheme

Ward Grandparents play a vital role at the Hospital. For some patients, Ward Grandparents are the main carer when parents are unable to be with them due to geography or other family commitments. They also provide respite to families who need a break from the care of their child. Ward Grandparents work two to three days a week for several hours a day. This program is coordinated by Shannon Tracey. There are currently no vacancies.

Click here for more information.

Bear Cottage Hospice at Manly

Bear Cottage relies heavily on a fabulous team of volunteers to assist with the smooth day to day running of the house. Volunteers complement the professional staff by providing practical support to our children and families during their stay. The volunteer coordinator is Michelle Pearse. Applications are currently closed. Re-opening 2010.

Family Support Volunteers

Support families at home with children who have a life limiting illness by reading to or playing with a sick child and or their siblings, providing light practical support in the home or being a listening ear to a parent or care-giver in a time of need. The Volunteer Coordinator is Wendy Edmonds. Applications are currently closed re-opening February 2010.

The General Volunteer Program

You can volunteer within the hospital doing various tasks including concierge service, sibling care, working in The Volunteer Shop, toy distribution and clerical assistance. The Volunteer Coordinator for this program Jill Jenkins. Applications are currently closed. Re-opening 2010.

The Carer Support Program

Provides support for carers through the Parent and Carer Resource Centre. Carers are usually the parents of the child but carers can also be grandparents, foster carers and other relatives or friends of the child.

Volunteers in the Carer Support Program are responsible for staffing the Centre. The Centre has been designed by parents for parents and is a non-clinical, homely environment where carers can take a break. We require our volunteers to provide assistance and support to carers of children at the hospital, this includes providing information about appropriate services and support to access them, providing a listening ear, a friendly chat or sometimes just a cup of tea to a stressed or tired carer.

Carer Support Volunteers work solely with carers and parents. Our volunteers do not work with the children in the hospital.

The Carer Support Coordinator is Katherine Stone.
Applications are currently closed.